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RUSC MAILING

05 January 2026

Ring in the New Year with a few
festive OTR gems

Written by Ned Norris

As I turn the dial from one year to the next, I want to say a heartfelt thank you. Your notes, your playlist tinkering, your episode ratings, your shared memories—and yes, those quiet evenings when you simply press play—keep this community humming. It’s a joy and a privilege to bring these shows to you.

To ring in the New Year, I’ve added three festive episodes—each with a different flavor of holiday cheer. Whether you’re hosting a little listening party or settling in with a warm cup, these will fit right in:

 - My Favorite HusbandLiz and George Are Handcuffed (Dec 30, 1949)

Classic Lucy and Richard Denning: bright, nimble, and brimming with chemistry. A harmless game goes sideways, the cuffs click, and the quips fly. A playful reminder to make resolutions with a smile—and a bit of flexibility.

 - Fibber McGee and MollyPlanning for New Year’s Eve

A modest night at home that blossoms one tiny decision at a time. Fibber’s lists, the gentle bustle of supplies, neighbors dropping by, Doc Gamble’s dry barbs—the cozy hum of plans that change because that’s what plans do.

 - The Phil Harris–Alice Faye ShowNew Year’s Eve at the Harris’

Phil aims for a quiet evening—until Remley’s mischief and Julius’s timing nudge things toward festivity. Alice’s poise steadies the chaos, and the whole thing plays with that warm, well-practiced rhythm that made the series a favorite.

Together, they capture what I love about holiday radio: familiar voices, gentle stakes, and the feeling that home—be it a living room, a corner drugstore, or a cozy kitchen—is where the New Year truly begins.

Hungry for more? Type “New Year” in the RUSC search box and you’ll find 60 shows to carry you from this celebration to the next! It’s a fine way to build a seasonal playlist, revisit an old favorite, or discover a hidden gem.

Looking ahead, I’ve got more restorations, hand-picked selections, and member-requested features on the way. Your suggestions truly guide what I do, so please keep them coming. And if you’ve got a personal tradition—an episode you always spin on New Year’s Eve, or a performer who pairs well with a winter walk—I’d love to hear about it.

Thank you for making RUSC part of your listening life this past year. Wishing you a peaceful, healthy, and very happy New Year—full of good company, good cheer, and plenty of great radio. Here’s to twelve more months of shared discoveries and pressing play together.

With gratitude,
Ned & Joy
 

RUSC Old Time Radio
www.rusc.com

P.S. Hit reply and tell me your go-to New Year’s episode—I’m always collecting recommendations.

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